In Oakley, California, a group of 10- and 11-year-old girls laces up their cleats, ready not just to play soccer—but to learn leadership, resilience, and teamwork. For many of them, these lessons are as important as any tournament win.
Recently, these young athletes received a $10,000 boost from CashSwipe, a national fintech company founded by former Oakland Police Detective Paul Alex. But this was no corporate PR move—it was a deeply personal act of community investment rooted in shared experience, trust, and purpose.
A Personal Connection Rooted in Service
Paul Alex is no stranger to these fields—or the challenges these girls face. As a former Detective with the Oakland Police Department, he spent years in the neighborhoods these players call home. But even more meaningfully, he shares a bond with their coaches: Pedro Elias and Luis “Coach E” Espinoza, both former Oakland PD officers themselves.
“Both Pedro and Luis were my colleagues on the force,” Paul explains. “We’ve seen firsthand how sports can keep kids focused, out of trouble, and teach values like discipline and accountability. They didn’t stop serving when they left law enforcement—they just found a new way to lead. Supporting them was an easy choice.”
That deep mutual respect created the foundation for the donation. When Paul learned about the Oakley Girls’ Soccer Team through Elias and Espinoza, he saw not just players in need of gear or travel funds, but a generation ready to lead if given the chance.
Why Youth Sports Matter
For many families in underserved communities, the costs of youth sports can be insurmountable. Registration fees, uniforms, travel to tournaments—these aren’t luxuries, but barriers. CashSwipe’s $10,000 gift will directly fund travel to regional competitions, high-quality uniforms, and additional development opportunities such as clinics and camps.
But the value of this gift is measured in more than dollars.
“Youth sports are one of the most powerful tools we have for building confidence and character in kids,” says Paul. “It teaches resilience, structure, and how to bounce back from failure—skills that matter on and off the field. In low-income communities, having a coach or mentor who believes in you can change your entire life.”
This belief is woven into the Oakley club’s philosophy. The team’s mission isn’t simply about winning games—it’s about creating a supportive environment where young girls can discover their voice, learn teamwork, and grow into confident young women.
As Coach Pete Elias puts it: “These girls aren’t just playing to win. They’re playing for each other.”
A Symbol of What’s Possible
For Paul Alex, the donation is also about representation and hope.
“I want these girls to see what’s possible,” he says. “That someone who looks like them, came from a similar background, and once walked these same Bay Area streets believes in their potential. This isn’t just about soccer gear—it’s about showing them their dreams are worth investing in.”
This kind of mentorship can have a transformative effect, particularly in communities where opportunities often feel out of reach. The message is clear: Your community believes in you.
Advice for Other Entrepreneurs
Philanthropy often feels like something you do “later,” when you’re established or comfortable. Paul Alex challenges that mindset.
“Don’t wait until you feel successful enough to give back,” he says. “You can always start with what you have. The impact you make in someone else’s life often becomes the fuel for your own growth.”
He also encourages business owners to make their giving personal and meaningful.
“Align your giving with causes that reflect your values and your story. That’s when it becomes more than charitable—it becomes truly impactful.”
About CashSwipe
Founded to help individuals build passive income through ATM placement and merchant services, CashSwipe isn’t your typical fintech company. Its mission remains rooted in empowering people—especially those from underserved backgrounds—to take control of their financial future.
The donation to the Oakley Girls’ Soccer Team is just one example of this mission in action.
Building Community Beyond Business
The $10,000 check presentation at Knoll Park wasn’t about photo ops. It was a moment of genuine community connection. It celebrated the players, their families, and the coaches who’ve dedicated themselves to something bigger than the game.
For CashSwipe, it was a reminder that business success doesn’t just measure balance sheets—it’s about the lives you touch along the way.
As Luis “Coach E” Espinoza says: “These girls show up for one another, push themselves, and prove every day that leadership starts with integrity. I’ve known Paul since our days in law enforcement. It’s inspiring to see him invest in a new generation the way he does.”
When businesses lead with purpose, entire communities benefit. And in Oakley, a team of young girls now knows that their dreams are worth fighting for—and that their community stands behind them, cheering them on.